By Patricia Frank
The tiny historic seaport of Beaufort, North Carolina is tucked away on the Southern Outer Banks. Friendly and quaint, Beaufort's a pretty place to exile yourself and take a step back in time. Far, far away from urban strife and noise, here you can hear yourself think, relax, unwind.
Locals sometimes refer to their village as “the Little Easy.”
You, too, will find it easy here to exercise your body while soothing your spirit. Designed for strolling, pedaling, paddling, beach walking,shell gathering, or hopping into a double-decker London bus or a horse-drawn carriage, Beaufort lets you exhale in relaxation.
Summer is “the season.” Temperatures can be sultry. Staying coolly wet in ocean or pool is recommended. Off-season offers hidden pleasures. The golden months of mid-September through October or the blooming time in April and May finds weather warm enough for strolling, bicycling and wandering long stretches of uncrowded sand. Even December and January can bring sunny, tee-shirt weather.
Are you a sea-faring lass? Beaufort is a port of call on the ICW—the Intracoastal Waterway. Water-loving folks have been known to be offered jobs as cooks, stewards or deckhands on yachts heading north or south or to tropical places. Some exiles, with salt in the veins and sand under their nails end up with far-flung adventures. Tempting? Try the Dockhouse pub along the waterfront to connect with captains and crews.
If staying on land is more your style, cottages or waterside studio efficiencies may be rented from Beaufort Realty. You say it's personal pampering you're wanting? Then, by all means, reserve a plush room and bountiful breakfast from a Bed & Breakfast.
Consider the cozy, pet-friendly Red Dog Inn www.thereddoginnbb.com or the nautical-themed Captain's Quarter's Bed & Biscuit www.captainsquarters.us. Ms. Ruby's famous “Riz” biscuits will put new wind in your sails. For more choices, go to www.crystalcoastnc.org/Accommodations/BedAndBreakfast/index.cfm#Beaufort
